Hindu Editorial Analysis : 23-November-2024

In an increasingly conflict-ridden world, the role of United Nations (UN) peacekeepers, commonly known as “blue helmets,” has become more crucial than ever. While these peacekeepers are intended to maintain peace and protect civilians, there is growing concern that they are often ineffective and merely observe escalating violence without taking action.

Understanding the Blue Helmets

UN peacekeepers are a symbol of hope and stability in troubled regions worldwide. They come from various national armies, police forces, and civilian backgrounds. Their main responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining peace and security in conflict zones.
  • Protecting civilians and creating secure environments.
  • Supporting the implementation of peace agreements.

Peacekeepers operate under principles outlined in the UN Charter, including:

  • Consent of the parties involved
  • Impartiality
  • Non-use of force, except in self-defense or defense of their mandate.

Despite having over 100,000 peacekeepers deployed globally, the UN faces criticism for its inability to act decisively in critical situations.

Historical Background of Peacekeeping

The concept of UN peacekeeping began in 1948, when the UN sent military observers to monitor an armistice agreement in the Middle East. Since then, over a million peacekeepers have participated in more than 70 operations. The iconic blue helmets distinguish these personnel from other military forces, adding a recognizable symbol of peace.

Notable Successes

Historically, the UN has achieved notable successes in peacekeeping missions in countries such as:

  • Cambodia
  • Mozambique
  • Sierra Leone
  • Timor Leste
  • Liberia
  • Kosovo

These successes highlight the potential effectiveness of peacekeeping when deployed correctly.

Current Conflicts and Challenges

Today, the UN faces significant challenges in ongoing conflicts like those in Ukraine and West Asia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Gaza have demonstrated the UN’s limited ability to protect civilian lives. Despite having access to substantial military and police forces, the UN has not effectively deployed them to control violence in these regions.

Evolving Nature of Peacekeeping

Modern peacekeeping missions are multi-dimensional. They involve not just military personnel but also police, legal advisors, and humanitarian experts. Peacekeepers face asymmetric threats and must adapt to new forms of conflict. Unfortunately, there have been instances where peacekeepers have been criticized for their passive roles during atrocities, such as in Rwanda and Bosnia.

Need for Reform

To tackle these challenges, reform within the UN is essential. The Security Council’s veto power often hinders decisive action. Possible reforms include:

  • Expanding the Security Council to include countries like India and South Africa.
  • Limiting the impact of individual vetoes to allow for quicker responses in conflict zones.

Why In News

In a world increasingly fraught with conflict, the role of United Nations (UN) peacekeepers, often referred to as “blue helmets,” has never been more critical. However, there is growing concern that these peacekeepers are not fulfilling their mandate effectively, often being reduced to mere bystanders in the face of escalating violence, which raises questions about their operational capacity and the overall effectiveness of international peacekeeping efforts.

MCQs about The Role of UN Peacekeepers in Today’s Conflicts

  1. What is the primary role of UN peacekeepers, commonly known as “blue helmets”?
    A. To engage in military offensives
    B. To promote trade between nations
    C. To maintain peace and security in conflict zones
    D. To provide humanitarian aid only
    Correct Answer: C. To maintain peace and security in conflict zones
    Explanation: The main responsibility of UN peacekeepers is to maintain peace and security in areas affected by conflict, as well as to protect civilians and support peace agreements.
  2. Which principle is NOT one of the core principles under which UN peacekeepers operate?
    A. Consent of the parties involved
    B. Impartiality
    C. Use of force in all situations
    D. Non-use of force except in self-defense
    Correct Answer: C. Use of force in all situations
    Explanation: UN peacekeepers operate under the principle of non-use of force except in self-defense and when defending their mandate. They require the consent of the parties involved and must remain impartial.
  3. Which country is NOT mentioned as a top contributor of personnel to UN peacekeeping missions?
    A. Bangladesh
    B. India
    C. Canada
    D. Nepal
    Correct Answer: C. Canada
    Explanation: The Bangladesh, India, and Nepal as major contributors of personnel to UN peacekeeping efforts, but Canada is not mentioned in this context.
  4. What significant challenge does the UN face regarding its ability to act in conflict zones?
    A. Lack of available peacekeepers
    B. Ineffective communication strategies
    C. The veto power of permanent members in the Security Council
    D. Insufficient funding from member states
    Correct Answer: C. The veto power of permanent members in the Security Council
    Explanation: The essay discusses how the veto power held by permanent members of the Security Council often hinders the UN’s ability to take decisive action in conflict situations, highlighting a significant challenge in peacekeeping operations.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading